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Department of Defense investments will improve military’s operational security and aid development of competitive, domestic sources of renewable fuels
MINNEAPOLIS—(December 20, 2012)—The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, applauded the strong support for military biofuels in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) scheduled for House and Senate votes this week.
The NDAA, when passed by both houses and signed by the President, would allow the Department of Defense (DOD) to continue purchasing advanced biofuels as part of its efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. It would also permit the DOD to invest in biofuel development facilities with matching funds from the Departments of Agriculture and Energy.
Military leaders have consistently supported efforts to develop advanced biofuels as a means to reduce troops’ reliance on fossil fuel supplies. The protection of fuel supply lines too often threatens the military’s operational security, and even small fluctuations in the price of oil can drain fuel budgets—requiring funds to be diverted from personnel or equipment budgets.
“This is a big win for biofuel investments and a reaffirmation of the role that sustainable, domestic biofuels can play in our national security,” said Mary Rosenthal, executive director of the Algae Biomass Organization. “We are grateful for the incredible leadership of Senators Mark Udall (D-CO) and Kay Hagan (D-NC) for their amendments to the NDAA that will permit the kind of public-private partnerships we need to make competitive, domestic sources of biofuels a reality. We would also like to thank Representative Adam Smith (D-WA) and the members of the conference committee for their hard work in pushing this part of the legislation forward.”
About the Algae Biomass Organization
The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is a 501 c(6) non-profit whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website:www.algaebiomass.org.
